Changes to the House investigative committee

Speaker of the House Rebecca Lockhart announced today that the House committee to investigate Utah’s Attorney General has a new chairman, Rep. Jim Dunnigan.

“Rep. Dunnigan is a veteran lawmaker who is a widely respected member of the House,” Lockhart said. “I expect he will be tough but fair in how he runs this committee.”

Dunnigan will replace Rep. Lowry Snow, who will no longer be on the committee after a joint decision with the Speaker.

“My top concern with the investigation of Attorney General Swallow was that it be conducted with integrity and transparency. I felt it was in the best interests of the committee to step aside in order to avoid any perception of conflict of interest,” Snow said. “This will allow the public to focus on the investigation, and not on who is doing the investigating.”

“Rep. Snow is above reproach, which is why he was chosen as chairman in the first place,” Lockhart said. “But whether we like it or not, perception matters in the public sphere. It pains me to lose him, his talents and leadership skills.”

“The good news is that the House has many members who can step up, and Rep. Dunnigan has my full confidence.”

Rep. Francis Gibson has been chosen to fill the open position on the committee.

What is the House investigative committee:

The House of Representatives created a special investigative committee to find facts regarding allegations against Utah Attorney General John Swallow.

Rep. Gibson bio:

Rep. Francis Gibson has served in the Utah House of Representatives since 2009. He earned a bachelor’s degree from Brigham Young University, and a master’s degree in social work from the University of Houston. He is currently serving as the Chair of the House Education Committee, and is a past chairman of the House Ethics Committee.